President Roosevelt to the Chancellor of Germany (Hitler) [40], [Telegram],
14 April 1939

THE WHITE HOUSE, April 14, 1939.

You realize I am sure that throughout the world hundreds of millions of human
beings are living today in constant fear of a new war or even a series of wars.

The existence of this fear-and the possibility of such a conflict-is of definite
concern to the people of the United States for whom I speak, as it must also
be to the peoples of the other nations of the entire Western Hemisphere. All
of them know that any major war, even if it were to be confined to other continents,
must bear heavily on them during its continuance and also for generations to
come.

Because of the fact that after the acute tension in which the world has been
living during the past few weeks there would seem to be at least a momentary
relaxation-because no troops are at this moment on the march-this may be an
opportune moment for me to send you this message.

On a previous occasion I have addressed you in behalf of the settlement of
political, economic, and social problems by peaceful methods and without resort
to arms.

But the tide of events seems to have reverted to the threat of arms. If such
threats continue, it seems inevitable that much of the world must become involved
in common ruin. All the world, victor nations, vanquished nations, and neutral
nations will suffer. I refuse to believe that the world is, of necessity, such
a prisoner of destiny. On the contrary, it is clear that the leaders of great
nations have it in their power to liberate their peoples from the disaster that
impends.

It is equally clear that in their own minds and in their own hearts the peoples
themselves desire that their fears be ended.

It is, however, unfortunately necessary to take cognizance of recent facts.

Three nations in Europe and one in Africa have seen their independent existence
terminated. A vast territory in another independent nation of the Far East has
been occupied by a neighboring state. Reports, which we trust are not true,
insist that further acts of aggression are contemplated against still other
independent nations. Plainly the world is moving toward the moment when this
situation must end in catastrophe unless a more rational way of guiding events
is found.

You have repeatedly asserted that you and the German people have no desire
for war. If this is true there need be no war.

Nothing can persuade the peoples of the earth that any governing power has
any right or need to inflict the consequences of war on its own or any other
people save in the cause of self-evident home defense.

In making this statement we as Americans speak not through selfishness or
fear or weakness. If we speak now it is with the voice of strength and with
friendship for mankind. It is still clear to me that international problems
can be solved at the council table.

It is therefore no answer to the plea for peaceful discussion for one side to
plead that unless they receive assurances beforehand that the verdict will be
theirs, they will not lay aside their arms. In conference rooms, as in courts,
it is necessary that both sides enter upon the discussion in good faith, assuming
that substantial justice will accrue to both; and it is customary and necessary
that they leave their arms outside the room where they confer.

I am convinced that the cause of world peace would be greatly advanced if
the nations of the world were to obtain a frank statement relating to the present
and future policy of governments.

Because the United States, as one of the nations of the Western Hemisphere,
is not involved in the immediate controversies which have arisen in Europe,
I trust that you may be willing to make such a statement of policy to me as
the head of a nation far removed from Europe in order that I, acting only with
the responsibility and obligation of a friendly intermediary, may communicate
such declaration to other nations now apprehensive as to the course which the
policy of your Government may take.

Such an assurance clearly must apply not only to the present day but also
to a future sufficiently long to give every opportunity to work by peaceful
methods for a more permanent peace. I therefore suggest that you construe the
word "future" to apply to a minimum period of assured non-aggression-ten years
at the least-a quarter of a century, if we dare look that far ahead.

If such assurance is given by your Government, I will immediately transmit
it to the governments of the nations I have named and I will simultaneously
inquire whether, as I am reasonably sure, each of the nations enumerated above
will in turn give like assurance for transmission to you.

Reciprocal assurances such as I have outlined will bring to the world an immediate
measure of relief.

I propose that if it is given, two essential problems shall promptly be discussed
in the resulting peaceful surroundings, and in those discussions the Government
of the United States will gladly take part.

The discussions which I have in mind relate to the most effective and immediate
manner through which the peoples of the world can obtain progressive relief
from the crushing burden of armament which is each day bringing them more closely
to the brink of economic disaster. Simultaneously the Government of the United
States would be prepared to take part in discussions looking towards the most
practical manner of opening up avenues of international trade to the end that
every nation of the earth may be enabled to buy and sell on equal terms in the
world market as well as to possess assurance of obtaining the materials and
products of peaceful economic life.

At the same time, those governments other than the United States which are
directly interested could undertake such political discussions as they may consider
necessary or desirable.

We recognize complex world problems which affect all humanity but we know
that study and discussion of them must be held in an atmosphere of peace. Such
an atmosphere of peace cannot exist if negotiations are overshadowed by the
threat of force or by the fear of war.

I think you will not misunderstand the spirit of frankness in which I send
you this message. Heads of great governments in this hour are literally responsible
for the fate of humanity in the coming years. They cannot fail to hear the prayers
of their peoples to be protected from the foreseeable chaos of war. History
will hold them accountable for the lives and the happiness of all-even unto
the least.

I hope that your answer will make it possible for humanity to lose fear and
regain security for many years to come.

A similar message is being addressed to the Chief of the Italian Government.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

[40] The Secretary of State at the same time, at the President's direction, addressed
an identical telegram to Premier Benito Mussolini, of Italy.